European renewable energy market

22/02/2012 / Kaj

On friday the 24th of February the European Commission invite stakeholders for consultation in preparation of the 2012 Renewable Energy Strategy.

As recently pointed out in the Commission’s Energy Roadmap 2050, renewable energy sources will play a major part in Europe’s long-term decarbonisation efforts. While the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC sets a clear framework for further growth in renewable energy until 2020, the debate about how the policy should develop beyond the 2020 horizon needs to start now.

This is why the Commission is preparing a strategy document that will look at the policy framework for renewable energy in a post-2020 perspective, to be published in the second quarter of this year.

The legislative framework as regards renewable energy is laid down in the Renewable Energy Directive which sets an obligatory target of 20% renewable energy in final energy consumption as well as a 10% target in transport for 2020. Given the long-term perspective of investors it is necessary already now to look beyond that year. Against the background of the EU’s ambition to move towards a reduction of 80-95% of GHG emissions in a 2050 perspective, it is clear that a further strong growth in renewables will be needed beyond the 2020 targets.

This public consultation has the aim of soliciting the view of interested parties to assess in how far the orientations of the current policy framework remain valid in the medium term - i.e. until 2030. Interested parties are requested to consider the specific questions addressed in the consultation document. Read more in the EU document.

As far as I can see the traditional lobby organisations from the industry complain about the cost, binding targets and neutrality issues.

Regarding the ongoing debate on the European financial measurement tools it would be logic to look at national budgets and their role tosupport EU Climate Change targets and the tools for renewable energy. Read also Greece, be aware of the Trojan horse!